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Statement of Purpose question - 6/12/2008 9:07:34 PM
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solo_soprano22
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So, since some time in the near future I'll be applying to graduate school (if my GRE isn't a total failure), I've thought to start writing drafts of my SoP and maybe getting a professor or two (or my advisor) to proof it for me.
I hear that personal stories are good, and I have one that I *could* share (probably more than one actually); but, it's rather personal, and although I don't mind sharing, I'm not sure if I should. It's the area of human biology, medicine, etc. so I know people have heard it all; I'm sure nothing even disturbs me anymore, but I don't think much ever has. I guess I'm trying to be "politically correct" (in a good way  ). It's not always the prettiest experiences that get you interested in a certain area of biology or medicine...or chemistry.
Most SoP's I read do tell stories, but none (that I've read) have told personal stories like the one I've got.
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RE: Statement of Purpose question - 6/12/2008 11:58:02 PM
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daughter_of_faith
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Tamara,
I'm required to write a personal statement which would be somewhat similar to your purpose statement. It doesn't seem quite as formal though...either that or I'm not stressing about it.
Anyway, it just says for me to indicate my major area of study. Then as specifically as possible, state exact interest within that major. Include some of my professional and/or career goals and pertinent past work experience.
For me, I am a teacher and I'm going for my master's in special education. My interest in that area relates mostly to the position I was hired for in the school where I'll work this fall. This last year I have worked with children (mostly in special ed and/or pull out sessions). Previous to that, I worked as a community support worker for a local area mental health area. Let's just say that I've been working with kids for some time as they are my "passion".
Obviously I'll write more than that, but that's a good general start for my statement. At least I think so...
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RE: Statement of Purpose question - 6/13/2008 12:01:10 AM
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OneOfHisJewels
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Tami,
I would share your story, but also relate how it has really motivated you to want to help women, etc.
Are you planning to become an ob/gyn?
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RE: Statement of Purpose question - 6/13/2008 12:52:32 AM
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solo_soprano22
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I'm probably end up with a PhD in neuroscience, neurobiology or pathology. I might be able to go in some other area of biology, but I'm sure it'll be one of those. It might just end up being whatever I can get in to because things are so selective now. They're all branches of biomedical sciences though.
I have many research interests (reproductive biology, biology of disease, elucidation of mechanisms in diseases with ion channel disfunction, etc), but the story relates to one of my primary interests (ion channels and transporters in neurons-- specifically, in neurons that are known to have a malfunction. I'll be working on elucidating the mechanisms of malfunction or reverse/opposite function under diseased conditions). That's mainly with reproductive biology in my interests, but they cause issues everywhere in the body... which is one reason why my fall research will be with transmembrane conductance regulators in cystic fibrosis...rather than ion channel malfunction in reproductive disease.
I think the "main" application (the school I want to get into most) asks for career goals, relevant experience and interests.
I think if I do put this one story in, I'm not letting anyone proof it... or I can leave it out at first then add it after the proofing. I know my career goals (teach at a university level, research within my interests in my lab, work in univ. programs to expose poorer high schoolers to biological research for free [my school has a similar program I like, and that's where I got the idea]).
I probably could write more; I'm just getting sleepy. Pardon if there are some mistakes; I woke up way too early this morning. :)
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RE: Statement of Purpose question - 6/13/2008 3:01:15 AM
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OneOfHisJewels
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quote:
which is one reason why my fall research will be with transmembrane conductance regulators in cystic fibrosis
Ok, the whole of the post was starting to get a little over my head, but I think this is SO cool! Ever since I read the book, "Alex, the life of a child," I have had a soft spot for cystic fibrosis patients. I've also always had a soft spot for diabetics.
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RE: Statement of Purpose question - 6/13/2008 12:41:39 PM
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rainbowtvp
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My understanding of the statement of purpose in grad school apps is that it should be less personal, more formal than for undergrad, etc. The focus should be on research interests, experience, etc.
Not that personal experience should be excluded- it is ok to include if it is a really important motivation, but if you can explain why you are interested in the area you are without the personal experience, that might be best.
Grad school professors tend to be more compelled by logic/facts, etc than by emotion, etc. The essay should show that you can take information and make logical, ound conclusions and that you have a clear purpose in your studies, a clear plan in pursuing your goals, and the background to back it up.
So... IOW, it is ok to mention it, but it shouldn't be the driving force of the essay.
Tara P
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RE: Statement of Purpose question - 6/13/2008 12:45:19 PM
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rainbowtvp
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After reading more, I have a thought. If this is something you are uncomfortable having the people you know read (you said you wouldn't want anyone to proof it), is it something you will feel uncomfortable having the people you work closely with in the future knowing?
Tara P
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RE: Statement of Purpose question - 6/13/2008 1:13:18 PM
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solo_soprano22
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rainbowtvp
After reading more, I have a thought. If this is something you are uncomfortable having the people you know read (you said you wouldn't want anyone to proof it), is it something you will feel uncomfortable having the people you work closely with in the future knowing?
Tara P
Nope. Lol.
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RE: Statement of Purpose question - 6/13/2008 1:18:21 PM
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solo_soprano22
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rainbowtvp
My understanding of the statement of purpose in grad school apps is that it should be less personal, more formal than for undergrad, etc. The focus should be on research interests, experience, etc.
Not that personal experience should be excluded- it is ok to include if it is a really important motivation, but if you can explain why you are interested in the area you are without the personal experience, that might be best.
Grad school professors tend to be more compelled by logic/facts, etc than by emotion, etc. The essay should show that you can take information and make logical, ound conclusions and that you have a clear purpose in your studies, a clear plan in pursuing your goals, and the background to back it up.
So... IOW, it is ok to mention it, but it shouldn't be the driving force of the essay.
Tara P
I understand, but all of the medical and biological SoP's I've read (from people who have gotten in, of course, lol) have them, and the few admissions committee members I've heard from (not for me, but just in general) say it's a good thing to do. But this was all in biology, science, medicine, etc. I'm not sure how it is for other majors. They do prefer personal experience actually in this realm, but emotions don't have to be involved; I suppose for something like English or the humanitites that might not be best (to keep personal experience out). Just like how E.O. Wilson got interested in ants when he was a kid; it's not an emotional thing. It just is what it is.
< Message edited by solo_soprano22 -- 6/13/2008 1:33:15 PM >
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RE: Statement of Purpose question - 6/13/2008 1:27:02 PM
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solo_soprano22
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quote:
ORIGINAL: OneOfHisJewels
quote:
which is one reason why my fall research will be with transmembrane conductance regulators in cystic fibrosis
Ok, the whole of the post was starting to get a little over my head, but I think this is SO cool! Ever since I read the book, "Alex, the life of a child," I have had a soft spot for cystic fibrosis patients. I've also always had a soft spot for diabetics.
I don't know if I'll definitely be working on transmembrane conductance in CF as much as I'll be working on ion channels/transporters. I'll just be working on whatever he wants me to...but he did tell me to choose something and get back to him. He's the chair of physiology and biophysics at the school I'm trying to get into the most, but he gave me this text and to choose what I want to do. Needless to say, I haven't chosen yet because research is difficult..and I'm trying to pick something that won't drive me crazy. :)
_____________________________
For God, For Learning, Forever.
"Sometimes I Wonder Why" (Blog entry)
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